BBC Strictly's Chris McCausland celebrates victory until early hours of the morning with Janette Manrara

Kenzi Devine
·2-min read
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswll
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Chris McCausland appeared to be still in a winning bubble on Saturday night as he headed out after cinching the show's coveted Glitterball trophy with his partner Dianne Buswell. The comedian, who made history by becoming the competition's first ever blind winner, was snapped heading home in the early hours of Sunday morning alongside former show professional Janette Manrara.

Following his win, Chris celebrated at the show's afterparty with his fellow finalists; JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland, alongside the professional dancers and judges. And after a big night, he was seen beaming with his arms around Janette - who is married to Chris' fellow finalist Tasha's professional dance partner, Aljaž Škorjanec.

Chris McCausland and Janette Manrara after the Strictly wrap party
Chris celebrated with Janette Manrara as they returned home in the early hours following the show's after-party -Credit:MAGICMOMENTSUK

Chris swapped out the evening's extravagant stage outfits for a simple beige jumper with a pair of black trousers, while Janette opted for a cobalt blue mini-dress with a black Canada Goose coat draped on top. While he held on tightly to his Glitterball trophy in one hand, his other stayed firmly around Janette, who appeared in stitches of laughter as she placed her hand on Chris' jumper.

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Deserving of a night out, Chris had a busy evening as he and Dianne performed three tough routines during the show's final. They started with their Couple's Choice, chosen by the judges, followed by their Show Dance, and finally scored their first-ever perfect 40 with their third and final number - a waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone. Both Chris and Dianne were visibly emotional when the music stopped on their final performance.

Following his win, Chris told presenter Tess Daly: "It's astonishing, I don't know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much.

Dianne Buswell & Chris McCausland on Strictly
He and Dianne were emotional earlier in the evening as they won the coveted Glitterball trophy -Credit:BBC/Guy Levy

"This is for her and for everyone out there who thought... who got told they couldn't do something or thought they couldn't do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen." Dianne, equally moved and victorious, exclaimed amid cheers, "We did it!"

And the win was even more emotional for Chris and Dianne as it marked their final dance with one another, as Chris will not be on the Strictly Come Dancing tour like his fellow finalists. Chris' absence from the Strictly tour is because all the arena dates clash with his own stand-up gigs, which have seen him add more dates due to the huge demand for tickets.